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Creamy lactose-free cottage cheese in a ceramic bowl

Lactose Free Cottage Cheese

Caroline
This homemade lactose-free cottage cheese is creamy, lightly tangy, and endlessly scoopable — perfect for those with dairy sensitivities. It's simple, quick, and requires just a few ingredients to recreate the classic comfort of cottage cheese without the lactose.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 cups
Calories 206 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Cheesecloth
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups lactose-free whole milk not ultra-pasteurized
  • 3 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice to curdle the milk
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp lactose-free cream optional, for creamier texture

Instructions
 

  • Pour the lactose-free milk into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it reaches 190°F, just before boiling.
  • Turn off the heat and gently stir in the vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 10 minutes until curds form.
  • Line a colander with cheesecloth and pour in the mixture. Let it drain for 5–10 minutes based on desired consistency.
  • Transfer the curds to a mixing bowl. Add salt to taste and stir in lactose-free cream if using.
  • Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if it separates.

Notes

Customize with herbs or spices. Do not use ultra-pasteurized milk. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated. Not ideal for freezing.
Keyword Cottage Cheese, Lactose-Free